Tension in Mogadishu as Farmajo suspends PM’s powers

The outgoing Somali president Farmajo has put troops on the PM's office in the presidential palace, sparking tension in the capital on Monday morning.

News Keydmedia Online
27 December 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Tension brews in the Somali capital, Mogadishu on Monday after the outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo announced he suspended his PM's powers.

Farmajo accused the PM of abuse of public land and attempted to cover up an ongoing probe in the looting of public land owned by the Navy after replacing the defense minister. 

The duty and powers of the Prime Minister remain suspended pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigations," said Farmajo.

The Prime Minister on Sunday has named a new Minister of Defense before the completion of the ongoing investigation over abuse of public lands, a move that prompted the suspension.

Roble's office was restricted with military forces blocking him outside access and officials have been told to stay out, in what seems to be a coup attempt by the outgoing president.

The office of the PM described the statement as outrageous and a failed attempt to militarily take over the Office of the PM which is a violation of the constitution & other laws of Somalia.

Roble said the consequences of the suspension will be solely shouldered by Farmajo whose term has ended in February this year and stayed in power for an illegal extra one year.

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